Theme for 2023: Faith Forward – The Year of Extraordinary Faith!
See if you recognize this TV commercial jingle: “Just like a good neighbor, ______ is there.” If you recognized that this is an ad for State Farm Insurance Company, congratulations! You have remembered that when you’re in trouble (car trouble at least) this company says that they will be there for you.
Throughout the pandemic, from 2020 on, we have had a heightened awareness of first responders coming to our aid. The brave and dedicated women and men who go to the problem, rather than waiting. They will be there for you 24/7/365, whenever you need them for medical care.
The singer, Michael Jackson, in the hit song I’ll Be There promised that “…whenever you need me, I’ll be there.” But sometimes we go through things in life that people can’t help us with. Try as they might, with the best of intentions, they simply cannot meet our every need.
Oh, but there is One who has made a promise:
“…for He Himself [Jesus] has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is the only One who can fully fulfill the promise to always be there for you. He proved this to Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb; to the two disciples on the Emmaus Road walking back from the crucifixion; to the disciples behind locked doors; and to over five hundred people at one time. Jesus just showed up! Time and again, Jesus showed up right when people needed Him. And the same is true today.
Whatever you may be in need of, Jesus is more than a good neighbor. He’s the ultimate first responder who doesn’t need an ambulance or any equipment to meet your needs. Jesus shows up and gives us what we need – Himself!
Just like on Calvary, Jesus shows up. In good times, in bad times, Jesus shows up. Through heartache and heartbreak, Jesus shows up. From the cradle to the grave, Jesus shows up! And His message has remained the same for over two thousand years:
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20
Join us for worship this Sunday, as we continue to celebrate the season of Eastertide with the message: He Keeps Showing Up. You can worship in-person or you can also join us online at 10:00am. For online worship go to www.umcgt.org.
In Sympathy Our prayers are with the families of Glean Price, who passed peacefully on March 26; also with Patty Roberts, whose daughter (Noah’s great-aunt) passed unexpectedly in Colorado on April 23; also with Lucy Kitt, whose sister passed on April 24; and with the family of Green Trails’ former Assoc. Pastor, Rev. Beth Freeman, who passed on April 25. We mourn with each of these families, and we pray that the comfort of the Holy Spirit will give them the peace that passes all understanding.
HeGetsUs is off to a great start! Join us every Wednesday thru May 24 as we talk about the thought-provoking videos that you may have seen as commercials on TV and during the Super Bowl. It’s led in a discussion format, no book required. It’s open to everyone, member or not, anyone who wants to get to know the One who gets us, even when we don’t get ourselves! If you’d like to have a bite to eat, dinner (potluck style) is at 5:45pm and the group goes from 6:30-7:30pm. Lea Doyel is the facilitator.
State of the Church will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 10:00a – 11:00a. Get the latest church updates, and hear some of the latest news from our conference, including our upcoming Annual Conference right here in St. Charles and how you can attend, what it means to disaffiliate and why some churches have and have not gone that route, and who is the former GT staff person who will now be a District Superintendent!
Senior Fellowship The 1st gathering of our seasoned saints went well. Great ideas were shared, and it’s still in the beginning phase, so we need more folks to come on out and share in the planning. The next one will be on Tuesday, May 2, at 11:00 am. See you there!
Celebrating Amee! Our Dir. of Mission and Outreach, Amee Colvin, has accepted a new position! Her last day as a staff person (but still a member!) will be this Sunday, April 30. There will be a celebration at the end of worship and cake afterwards! So, help us celebrate Amee and bless her on her next venture!
Stay in the Know! Don’t forget to pick up your monthly church calendar, this month’s Memory Verse Card, and the printed newsletter at the Welcome Center or the Coffee Station. To see the calendar online here’s the link: Church Calendar. Just our way of helping you to stay in the know!
“I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:18
Blessings,
Pastor Linda